I forgot the photo from my last post! Can't have a whole ton of text with no illustrations :)
34 weeks at my family baby shower.
34 weeks at my family baby shower.
Oct 28, 2010
Waiting and Wishing
Again with the lapse in my blogging. I'm telling you... things just pile up and then I get overwhelmed with where to even start writing about them, so I just don't :)
But I'm back.
This may be a fairly philisophical blog entry. Just warning you before you get much further, haha.
I hope you all have clicked on the link in my previous post and made a guess at when Miss Isabel will arrive. I'm leaning toward the 21st, because it's a full moon :)
I am trying my hardest to be patient, but God knows that has never been my strong suit. In fact, when I was in high school and just beyond, I used to pray for God to give me patience... I should have known better! I don't know that God necessarily GIVES you patience, as much as He tests it to show you that you already have some measure of it. I feel like my last 10 years have been an exercise in patience - learning to wait on the Lord and his timing, not my own. I was so distraught in those months when Drew and I were "trying" to have a baby that nothing was happening, when in hindsight, that is the time when I should have spent preparing my mind, my body, and my home for life with baby - even baby in the belly. You'd think I would have learned enough times now that God never lets me down and always provides for the desires of my heart. I mean, look at my life - absolutely wonderful husband, college degree, home, and now a baby on the way. I'm not saying any of this came easily - I have worked my butt off (I wish in a literal sense, haha). But even when it's been so hard that we didn't know what trial was going to face us next, God has never let us down, and we've always miraculously had what we need - even the small things like my co-worker, Karen Burr, bringing me lunch a few weeks ago on a day that I didn't bring anything to eat. God always provides. And I have to remind myself every single day that we will have the diapers we need, the clothing we need, the job we need, and the food we need, even though we don't have any idea where the money will come from to pay for these things. All we need is manna - a daily supply.
Friday night, I had my first bout of "false labor." At around 7:30, Drew and I had finished dinner and were sitting around watching tv - I believe we were watching a scary 80's movie in honor of Halloween :) I started to feel "braxton hicks" but to a degree I had not experienced them previously. My entire belly would tighten up, and I had cramps and some pain. So, I started timing them with one of my nifty Iphone aps, and turns out, they were coming every 9 or so minutes and were lasting about a minute and a half a piece. I waited for a while to see if this was consistent. 2 hours later, I told Drew what was going on. 3 hours into the "contractions," I mentioned it on facebook to a friend of mine who wisely convinced me to call the doctor. I have been a little frustrated with my doc's office because everytime I call with a question, I feel like the answer is always "that's normal" without any sort of explaination or question for further information. The on call doctor told me to take a Tylenol and go to bed... if they got closer together, to go to the hospital. So, around midnight after 4 hours of contractions every 9 minutes, I went to bed. When I woke up at 4 in the morning for the inevitable trip to the bathroom, they were gone. Part of me was relieved because at that point, I was not even CLOSE to being ready to taking off work, to having a daughter, to delivering, etc. But part of me was really dissappointed. I am so ready for her to be here - and on the same coin, so very ready to not be pregnant anymore. I so desperately want to be able to sleep on my stomach again!
But I'm back.
This may be a fairly philisophical blog entry. Just warning you before you get much further, haha.
I hope you all have clicked on the link in my previous post and made a guess at when Miss Isabel will arrive. I'm leaning toward the 21st, because it's a full moon :)
I am trying my hardest to be patient, but God knows that has never been my strong suit. In fact, when I was in high school and just beyond, I used to pray for God to give me patience... I should have known better! I don't know that God necessarily GIVES you patience, as much as He tests it to show you that you already have some measure of it. I feel like my last 10 years have been an exercise in patience - learning to wait on the Lord and his timing, not my own. I was so distraught in those months when Drew and I were "trying" to have a baby that nothing was happening, when in hindsight, that is the time when I should have spent preparing my mind, my body, and my home for life with baby - even baby in the belly. You'd think I would have learned enough times now that God never lets me down and always provides for the desires of my heart. I mean, look at my life - absolutely wonderful husband, college degree, home, and now a baby on the way. I'm not saying any of this came easily - I have worked my butt off (I wish in a literal sense, haha). But even when it's been so hard that we didn't know what trial was going to face us next, God has never let us down, and we've always miraculously had what we need - even the small things like my co-worker, Karen Burr, bringing me lunch a few weeks ago on a day that I didn't bring anything to eat. God always provides. And I have to remind myself every single day that we will have the diapers we need, the clothing we need, the job we need, and the food we need, even though we don't have any idea where the money will come from to pay for these things. All we need is manna - a daily supply.
Friday night, I had my first bout of "false labor." At around 7:30, Drew and I had finished dinner and were sitting around watching tv - I believe we were watching a scary 80's movie in honor of Halloween :) I started to feel "braxton hicks" but to a degree I had not experienced them previously. My entire belly would tighten up, and I had cramps and some pain. So, I started timing them with one of my nifty Iphone aps, and turns out, they were coming every 9 or so minutes and were lasting about a minute and a half a piece. I waited for a while to see if this was consistent. 2 hours later, I told Drew what was going on. 3 hours into the "contractions," I mentioned it on facebook to a friend of mine who wisely convinced me to call the doctor. I have been a little frustrated with my doc's office because everytime I call with a question, I feel like the answer is always "that's normal" without any sort of explaination or question for further information. The on call doctor told me to take a Tylenol and go to bed... if they got closer together, to go to the hospital. So, around midnight after 4 hours of contractions every 9 minutes, I went to bed. When I woke up at 4 in the morning for the inevitable trip to the bathroom, they were gone. Part of me was relieved because at that point, I was not even CLOSE to being ready to taking off work, to having a daughter, to delivering, etc. But part of me was really dissappointed. I am so ready for her to be here - and on the same coin, so very ready to not be pregnant anymore. I so desperately want to be able to sleep on my stomach again!
I generally have no idea what my husband thinks about all this. When I ask him if he's excited, he will say yes, but he really is not one for showing much emotion. Sometimes he will touch my belly in the most incredibly gentle and loving manner, and I know he's thinking about her... but then other times I think he forgets I'm even pregnant, haha. But who could blame him... his body isn't the one that has been growing and changing for 9 months, and beyond the accumulation of baby stuff in the house, my complaints, and the infrequent kicks from Isabel that he gets to feel - it isn't quite real yet.
I think he is starting to get a little stressed out that it's a mere 4 weeks away. For me that seems like an eternity, but for him, its tomorrow - same page on the calendar - counting down the free weekends we have left...
He'll make a great daddy though - sometimes, waiting for something uncertain to happen is the scariest part.
I have to say though, I never would have believed 5 years ago how much I would have grown to love Drew. I loved him like crazy then - before we even started dating I knew I loved him, I just had no idea how much, or what kind of love it was at that point. When we got married - I had no doubt that I would enjoy spending time with him, that I would stick it out through the good and the bad times, and that we would have adventures together - I just had no idea what that would entail. And now, almost 5 years after we said "I Do", I love him in such an intense and deep way, that it is just impossible to describe in an online blog. The fact that he is by my side is the most incredibly comforting thing I can think of. Even his smell calms me down. Knowing that there is someone that special to walk through parenthood with leaves me with no fear at all. And knowing that someone loves me as much as I am describing here, and that he will love his daughter that much or more is the most indescribable thing. I really found a keeper! He is going to make the most amazing daddy, and I have tears in my eyes just picturing in my mind him holding her and rocking her to sleep - and that's just the first day of her life! I think I would need a whole box of tissues if I started to think about him walking her down the aisle one day :)
Ok, there we go, the waterworks have been turned on. I think that is my cue to end this blog post and save the rest of my rambling thoughts for another day. Can't let my students come in and see me all teary eyed :)
31 more days. Can you believe it??
Oct 26, 2010
Oct 9, 2010
Favorite New Recipe
Today marks 50 days left until Isabel is due to arrive :)
With that in mind, I do fully intend to update you on all the baby happenings that have been... happening, haha. But like most pregnant mommies, I must share this with you before it slips my mind.
Here is our new favorite recipe: It isn't often that I get more than a "that was good" from my sweet husband about dinner. I grew up in a house where my dad went on and on about my mom's cooking, and it took me a while to understand that is not Drew's way :) I don't have a problem with it at all, and really, when I make something that he really loves and he tells me how awesome it is, it makes me feel even better! A few weeks ago, I made Chicken Poblano Corn Chowder for dinner, and it happened to be such an occasion that he told me it was amazing. So, forevermore, it will hold a special place in my recipe book :)
1 large poblano pepper, cut in half lengthwise (I used a roasted hatch chilli from Central Market)
Half a regular sized bag of frozen corn
1 can creamed corn
1 1/2 cups low fat milk
1/4 tsp salt
a pinch of crushed red pepper
1/4 tsp cumin
1 1/2 cups to 2 cups chicken broth
1/2 pkg of fat free cream cheese, softened
1/2 a rotisserie chicken, deboned and cubed
If your peppers are not already roasted, place the two halves skin side up on a foil lined baking sheet, 6 inches from the heat and broil 5-6 minutes or until pepper looks blistered. Fold foil over pepper to seal and let stand 10 minutes. Peel pepper, remove and discard seeds and chop pepper. Set aside.
Bring creamed corn, frozen corn, milk, salt, black pepper, red pepper and cumin to a boil in a 3 qt. saucepan over med-high heat - stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring often, for 10 minutes.
Stir 1 1/2 cups chicken broth into mixture. Whisk in softened cream cheese and poblano pepper. Cook, whisking often, for 5 minutes, or until cream cheese is completely melted. Whisk in additional chicken broth if necessary. Add chicken, and continue to simmer until chicken is warm - just a couple minutes.
Garnish if desired with sliced jalapenos.
Enjoy!
With that in mind, I do fully intend to update you on all the baby happenings that have been... happening, haha. But like most pregnant mommies, I must share this with you before it slips my mind.
Here is our new favorite recipe: It isn't often that I get more than a "that was good" from my sweet husband about dinner. I grew up in a house where my dad went on and on about my mom's cooking, and it took me a while to understand that is not Drew's way :) I don't have a problem with it at all, and really, when I make something that he really loves and he tells me how awesome it is, it makes me feel even better! A few weeks ago, I made Chicken Poblano Corn Chowder for dinner, and it happened to be such an occasion that he told me it was amazing. So, forevermore, it will hold a special place in my recipe book :)
1 large poblano pepper, cut in half lengthwise (I used a roasted hatch chilli from Central Market)
Half a regular sized bag of frozen corn
1 can creamed corn
1 1/2 cups low fat milk
1/4 tsp salt
a pinch of crushed red pepper
1/4 tsp cumin
1 1/2 cups to 2 cups chicken broth
1/2 pkg of fat free cream cheese, softened
1/2 a rotisserie chicken, deboned and cubed
If your peppers are not already roasted, place the two halves skin side up on a foil lined baking sheet, 6 inches from the heat and broil 5-6 minutes or until pepper looks blistered. Fold foil over pepper to seal and let stand 10 minutes. Peel pepper, remove and discard seeds and chop pepper. Set aside.
Bring creamed corn, frozen corn, milk, salt, black pepper, red pepper and cumin to a boil in a 3 qt. saucepan over med-high heat - stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring often, for 10 minutes.
Stir 1 1/2 cups chicken broth into mixture. Whisk in softened cream cheese and poblano pepper. Cook, whisking often, for 5 minutes, or until cream cheese is completely melted. Whisk in additional chicken broth if necessary. Add chicken, and continue to simmer until chicken is warm - just a couple minutes.
Garnish if desired with sliced jalapenos.
Enjoy!
Sep 13, 2010
29 Weeks and Graduation
Well, here we are at week 29, with a mere 76 days to go until the due date... Each day I think more and more about Isabel actually being here and I can not wait! I have to admit that it has a little to do with the fact that I am so ready to not be pregnant anymore, but so much more to do with seeing her sweet smile and getting to hold and cuddle my daughter.
This weekend was a busy busy weekend with nearly 14 hours of Childbirth Preparation classes at Methodist Hospital. We learned all about hospital policy, breathing techniques that I am sure will make my pain just disappear (ha!), all of our pain management options, and took a tour of the maternity ward. I don't really feel as though I learned a lot of new information, but then again, I have been totally obsessed with reading as much as I possibly can get my hands on about pregnancy, birth, and baby care. I don't think much of it will do any good... learning by experience seems to be necessity when it comes to babies :) But all in all, I'm glad we went. And rest assured, we graduated from the program, so of course now we are "qualified" to have this child, haha! We got a diploma and everything!
This weekend was also my Papa's 81st birthday. I have been so blessed to have such wonderful grandparents who lived so close to us while I was growing up, and still live close and will be able to be involved in my daughter's life. Papa is an extraordinary guy and I hope he has many many many more years ahead!
After class on Sunday, Drew and I celebrated our diploma at Big Shucks - we have a serious addiction to that place. They have the best shrimp... well, everything on the menu is amazing actually. Afterward, we came home so Drew could finish up a TON of grading that he brought home this weekend for his Forensics class. I helped out a little and I love reading some of the things his kids write... I was cracking up when one person wrote something about the "quart of law".
This Wednesday, my dad is having back surgery. Please keep him in your prayers! This is something that he has needed for quite a while, and hopefully it will make him feel all better so he can be up and active and ready to play with his granddaughter :)
Here's a picture of me at 29 weeks 0 days :) I just looked through my Belly Book this weekend and saw a picture of me at 19 weeks - exactly 10 weeks ago. Wow, have I grown! But once again I must say... I am SO ready to have my waist back!!
This weekend was a busy busy weekend with nearly 14 hours of Childbirth Preparation classes at Methodist Hospital. We learned all about hospital policy, breathing techniques that I am sure will make my pain just disappear (ha!), all of our pain management options, and took a tour of the maternity ward. I don't really feel as though I learned a lot of new information, but then again, I have been totally obsessed with reading as much as I possibly can get my hands on about pregnancy, birth, and baby care. I don't think much of it will do any good... learning by experience seems to be necessity when it comes to babies :) But all in all, I'm glad we went. And rest assured, we graduated from the program, so of course now we are "qualified" to have this child, haha! We got a diploma and everything!
This weekend was also my Papa's 81st birthday. I have been so blessed to have such wonderful grandparents who lived so close to us while I was growing up, and still live close and will be able to be involved in my daughter's life. Papa is an extraordinary guy and I hope he has many many many more years ahead!
After class on Sunday, Drew and I celebrated our diploma at Big Shucks - we have a serious addiction to that place. They have the best shrimp... well, everything on the menu is amazing actually. Afterward, we came home so Drew could finish up a TON of grading that he brought home this weekend for his Forensics class. I helped out a little and I love reading some of the things his kids write... I was cracking up when one person wrote something about the "quart of law".
This Wednesday, my dad is having back surgery. Please keep him in your prayers! This is something that he has needed for quite a while, and hopefully it will make him feel all better so he can be up and active and ready to play with his granddaughter :)
Here's a picture of me at 29 weeks 0 days :) I just looked through my Belly Book this weekend and saw a picture of me at 19 weeks - exactly 10 weeks ago. Wow, have I grown! But once again I must say... I am SO ready to have my waist back!!
Sep 7, 2010
Love Like Crazy
You know how every once in a while, you hear a song and it puts into words how you feel about a particular topic? Well, here I am letting my country girl come out a bit... The song "Love Like Crazy" by Lee Brice is such a sweet song. I have had SUCH great examples of what a wonderful Godly marriage is supposed to look like - my grandparents on both sides were/are married for over 60 years. My parents celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary this year, and though Drew and I are only at 4 and 3/4s, we take our vows very seriously. I look forward to the next 55 years with him :)
Anyway, here are the lyrics to the chorus of the song. Had I written them before whomever wrote this song, these would be my words of wisdom to anyone about to get married.
"Just ask him how he made it
He'll tell you faith and sweat
And the heart of a faithful woman,
Who never let him forget
Be a best friend, tell the truth, and overuse I love you
Go to work, do your best, don't outsmart your common sense
Never let your praying knees get lazy
And love like crazy
Always treat your woman like a lady
Never get too old to call her baby
Never let your praying knees get lazy
And love like crazy"
Anyway, here are the lyrics to the chorus of the song. Had I written them before whomever wrote this song, these would be my words of wisdom to anyone about to get married.
"Just ask him how he made it
He'll tell you faith and sweat
And the heart of a faithful woman,
Who never let him forget
Be a best friend, tell the truth, and overuse I love you
Go to work, do your best, don't outsmart your common sense
Never let your praying knees get lazy
And love like crazy
Always treat your woman like a lady
Never get too old to call her baby
Never let your praying knees get lazy
And love like crazy"
Sep 4, 2010
A Safari in Our Own Backyard
On this beautiful 3 day weekend, on the day before I am officially in the 3rd trimester, Drew and I decided to take a Safari in our own backyard and go to the Dallas Zoo (which literally backs up into our neighborhood). The new Giants in the Savannah exhibit is amazing! Though I wasn't allowed to touch the giraffe, they were coming right up to the look out area, and kiddos were feeding lettuce leaves to the giraffe. So cool!
85 days and counting until we are due to meet baby Isabel Jane :)
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